A burger bar shooting and a series of suspected arson attacks are being linked by detectives. A gunman walked into Drip on Kingsway, Burnage, and fired twice late on April 30.
A hunt for the shooter continues. No arrests have been made.
On May 2, a home in Levenshulme and two in Gorton are suspected of being torched in the early hours. Nobody was hurt. Damage was minor, including smashed windows.
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Police have not revealed the exact locations.
The force said a 32-year-old man from Stockport has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson; criminal damage; theft; and possession of an offensive weapon.
The shooting and suspected arson attacks are being linked. In the April 30 incident, the gunman struck just before 11pm. He is understood to have escaped on a bicycle.
Drip owner Ray Ali later told the M.E.N: "There were two members of staff in at the time and a customer. It must have been terrifying for them. There was a person to his right and one to his left, but he didn't aim at either of them.
"I am a family man and law-abiding. I don't owe anybody any money and when I am not at the business, I just spend time with my family."
On Wednesday evening (May 3), GMP said stop and search orders were in force in two areas of south Manchester and Stockport following the incidents - which they confirmed were the April 30 shooting and suspected arson attacks on May 2.
"Police are treating these incidents as linked and targeted attacks and there is believed to be no threat to the wider community," the statement read.
"GMP understand the use of a Section 60 can cause concern to residents, however, the use of these powers is only authorised when it is proportionate and necessary.
"Officers out and about will continue to do all they can to keep you safe and will be on hand to offer any reassurance. Extra uniformed and non-uniformed officers have been deployed to the areas to support the investigation team and the community."
Following the shooting, Superintendent Paul Walker of Greater Manchester Police said: "Firstly, I want to reassure the local community that we believe this incident to be a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public. Thankfully no injuries were reported and we are following up a number of lines of inquiry to trace and arrest the person responsible.
"We have increased the number of patrol officers around the local area and if you have any concerns I would urge you to speak to them as they are on hand to help and reassure you. We are now appealing to members of the public who might have witnessed something or might have information that could aid our investigation to please come forwards and share it with us."
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